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01-22-1990 CC MIN e MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL HELD AT THE ELK RIVER PUBLIC LIBRARY MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 1990 MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Tralle, Councilmembers Schuldt, Holmgren, Dobel, and Kropuenske MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Pat Klaers, City Administrator; Stephen Rohlf, Building and Zoning Administrator; and Tim Keane, City Attorney 1. Call Meetin~ to Order Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River City Council was called to order by Mayor Tralle at 7:00 p.m. 2. Consider 1/22/90 City Council A~enda Patrick Klaers, City Administrator, requested that Item 8.2 - Eagles Gambling License and Item 8.3 - 1/29/90 EDA Meeting, be added to the agenda for discussion. e Councilmember Kropuenske requested to add an announcement under 8.05. COUNCILMEMBER DOBEL MOVED TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS AMENDED. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 3. Consider 1/8/90 City Council Minutes COUNCILMEMBER KROPUENSKE MOVED TO APPROVE THE 1/8/90 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES AS SUBMITTED. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. . THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 3.2 Consider 1/15/90 City Council CIP Work Session Minutes COUNCILMEMBER DOBEL MOVED TO APPROVE THE 1/15/90 CITY COUNCIL CIP WORK SESSION MINUTES AS SUBMITTED. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 4. Open Mike No one appeared at this time for this agenda item. 5.1 Consideration of Mod~l Home ReQuest for Pinewood Subdivision e Terry Lee Douglas, of Terry Lee Realty and Homes, has submitted an application that requests a model home located within the Pinewood Subdivision. A letter from Mr. Douglas, dated 12/13/89, also requests signage for the vacant lots within this subdivision. City Council Minutes January 22, 1990 Page 2 e At this time the applicant was not present and discussion between the staff and the City Council centered on the three signs that were installed, one of which has been removed, and the status of the Pinewood Subdivision. It was noted that of the two remaining signs, the one at Highway 10 must be removed and the Council needs to consider the remaining sign at the entrance of the subdivision. Additionally, it was noted that approximately ten vacant lots remain in this subdivision out of the original 23 platted lots. Mayor Tralle expressed his concern over the apparent lack of response from the applicant regarding staff direction to remove the signs as indicated in a 12/8/89 letter to Mr. Douglas. At this time, the applicant arrived at the Council meeting. Discussion between the applicant and the Council centered on the sign at Highway 10 and Waco Street. The applicant indicated that he had discussed this sign with the Highway Department and was under the understanding that the Highway Department had ultimate control over signage in this area. The applicant was advised that this sign was illegal according to City Code and that the City could order its removal. The City Council requested that the sign along Highway 10 be immediately removed and the applicant indicated that this would be done. e General discussion took place regarding subdivision signage at the entrance of Pinewood Subdivision versus subdivision signage in other areas, especially Deerfield 3rd Addition. Mr. Douglas indicated that signage is an absolute necessity in order to promote the subdivision and sell lots for future single family home construction. The Council and applicant discussed the model home proposal for the subdivision. It was indicated that the model home that is proposed would conform to the existing regulations and would be open approximately from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. for six months. The applicant indicated that the model home would not function as a real estate office. Discussion continued regarding future Planning Commission review of the model home requirements and whether or not it was appropriate to delay a decision on this issue until such discussion by the Planning Commission took place. Councilmember Schuldt indicated his support for the model home request, as Mr. Douglas was a new owner in this subdivision and felt that the subdivision needed additional publicity in order attract future homeowners. Councilmember Schuldt stated he was in favor of allowing a model home for a six month period with no time extension granted after the six months has expired. e COUNCILMEMBER KROPUENSKE MOVED TO DIRECT THE STAFF TO PREPARE A RESOLUTION WHICH OUTLINES 1'HE CONDITIONS WHICH WOULD ALLOW A MODEL HOME ON LOT 6, BLOCK 1, OF THE PINEWOOD SUBDIVISION FOR A PERIOD OF SIX MONTHS AND TO HAVE THIS RESOLUTION PRESENTED TO THE CITY COUNCIL ON 1/29/90. COUNCILMEMBER DOBEL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. City Council Minutes January 22, 1990 Page 3 e 5.2 Pla~~iJtltJLQm~ission Discussion with the City Council Planning Commission members Peter Kimball, Bob Morton, Rita Johnson, Mary Eberley, and Al Nadeau were present to hold a general discussion with the City Council regarding Planning Commission issues. Chairman Peter Kimball handed out to the City Council the 1989 Planning Commission highlights and the 1990 Planning Commission work plan and reviewed these two items with the City Council. Additionally, the City Council reviewed with the Commission the 1/13/90 Planning Commission annual meeting minutes. Discussion at this time centered on the "payment" issue for Planning Commission members. It was indicated that the Planning Commission does not desire compensation, but there may be a need for some type of per diem payment. The City Attorney indicated that payment to Planning Commission's is rare, but per diem payments or mileage and meal reimbursement is common. The City Council indicated its desire to further consider these types of reimbursement payments to the Planning Commission members. e The Ci ty Council and Planning Commission discussed a number of items within the 1990 work plan including the mobile workshop session video taping, Planning Commission meetings, and requirements for metal skinned buildings. Discussion also took place regarding one Planning Commission representative (usually the Chair) attending the City Council meeting on the fourth Monday of each month in order to exchange information. Additional comments were made regarding City Council requests being processed to the Planning Commission in a timely manner so that they can review applications and issues to assist the City Council in its decision making process. It was the consensus of the Planning Commission and City Council that a joint meeting between both groups would be held on Monday, June 25, 1990. Further discussion took place regarding the Planning Commission's desire to hold joint meetings with the Planning Commissions from neighboring communi ties and Sherburne County. It was indicated that these joint meetings would increase communication between the groups and allow them to discuss mutual development plans. The City Council indicated its priority for the Planning Commission to work on the rental housing unit inspection ordinance/regulations. e It was indicated by the City Administrator and City Council that the agenda for the Planning Commission for 1990 appears very ambitious. A lot of meetings are planned and the work outline requires a significant amount of time and energy by both the Planning Commission and the City Staff. Caution was expressed regarding being over ambitious and accepting the fact that some issues will take more time than others and that all of the 1990 proposed agenda may not get accomplished. City Council Minutes January 22, 1990 Page 4 e It was indicated by the City Council that during the meeting of February 26, 1990, that they will discuss with the Planning Commission representative the education, conference, and convention policy that was drafted during the Planning Commission annual meeting of January 13, 1990. 5.3 Residential Garba~e Haulers Discussion Stephen Rohlf introduced representatives of Corrow Trucking and Sani tation, East Tonka Sanitation, and Peterson Brother Sanitation to the City Council. Stephen indicated that these three garbage haulers exclusively cover the City of Elk River. No other known garbage haulers operate in the residential areas in Elk River. Stephen indicated that discussions have taken place with these haulers regarding the possible development of a recycling plan in Elk River and the need for organized collection routes in order to implement a recycling plan. Attorney, Tim Keane, discussed the basis of establishing an organized collection plan and the state law requirements for outstate communities to begin recycling efforts. It was noted that a major concern of both the City and the haulers was the billing method needed in order to have a established collection route system and recycling plan be successful. e Representatives from Peterson Brothers indicated their positive experience with organized collection routes in the City of Anoka and Champlin. Vickie Kreger, representing Elk River Landfill, indicated their support for the proposal and the Landfill's efforts to get involved in resource recovery. Some of the main benefits for organized routes include a cost savings to the haulers, more efficient use of the haulers time and equipment, and a cost savings to the City by way of wear and tear on municipal streets. It was noted by the staff and by the haulers that, in general, the establishment of organized routes is unpopular with the citizens of a community, but that over time, the recycling plan and the established routes slowly gain approval of the community. Discussion took place regarding the franchising of the community for the organized collection system and how future growth in Elk River will be distributed between the three residential garbage haulers. Additionally, it was noted that commercial hauling and recycling is an issue that would be addressed after the residential collection system has been established. e Regarding the concern about billing methods, it was noted that the only available billing mechanism that could be used for billing garbage services is within the Municipal Utilities organization. The City would have to work with the Municipal Utilities in order to expand. the utilities billing system to incorporate areas of the City not currently within the electrical billing district. It was noted that it is possible that the organized collection system may not encompass the entire community, but be concentrated in the more populated areas. City Council Minutes January 22, 1990 Page 5 e Staff indicated that they would be processing a resolution to the City Council on 2/12/90 requesting City support for the creation of an organized residential garbage collection system which helps the development of a city wide recycling plan. 5.4 Environmental Officer Stephen Rohlf', Building and Zoning Administrator, discussed with the City Council the draft job description for the Environmental Officer. Discussion between the Council and the staff centered on the fact that what the City of Elk River is really looking for is a Recycling Coordinator and not an Environmental Officer. If was the consensus of the City Council to advertise for a position titled "Recycling Coordinator" with a starting salary of $20,000 to $26,000. The staff is also encouraged to contact the City of Big Lake to discuss the concept of sharing a Recycling Coordinator position. It was noted that the hiring of a Recycling Coordinator was strongly recommended by the Recycling Task Force. The Task Force emphasized the need for this position in order to start the recycling program and to help ensure the program would operate smoothly. e COUNCILMEMBER KROPUENSKE MOVED TO ADVERTISE FOR THE RECYCLING COORDINATOR WITH THE STARTING PAY RANGE OF $26,000. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. CARRIED 5-0. POSITION OF $20,000 to THE MOT ION The City Administrator indicated that the advertisement would be placed in the Minneapolis Sunday Paper and the Elk River Star News for two weeks. The pay range for the position will be identical to the Zoning Assistant. Additionally, the finalized job description for the Recycling Coordinator would be forwarded to the City Council in the near future. 5.5 Other Business Terry Lee Douglas addressed the Council on the issue of the sign at the entrance to Pinewood Subdivision. Mr. Douglas indicated that the sign that currently exists exceeds the City ordinance and since the ground is frozen at this time, asked the City Council if this entrance sign was acceptable for the next two months until he could reasonably replace this sign. It was the consensus of the City Council to allow the existing sign at the entrance of the Pinewood Subdivision to remain in place while a variance for the sign was acted on. At this time, the City Council took a five minute break. 6.1 rax Forfeited Prooertx e The City Council reviewed the 1/18/90 memo from the Finance Director, Lori Johnson, regarding the possible purchase of tax forfeited property by the City of Elk River. Discussion centered on the properties in City Council Minutes January 22, 1990 Page 6 e Barrington Place and the public improvement assessments for these two lots. The City Administrator indicated that the purchase price oroperty would come from the City Capital Projects Fund and that the special assessments would be levied city wide over a period of five to seven years. Using old terminology, the total special assessments levied city wide would amount to less than one half of a mil per year for the next five to seven years. The other parcels of property discussed in the memo are needed for drainage and right-of-way for future road improvements. It was further noted by the City Administrator that Parcel #1, in the Ridgewood East 2nd Addition, may be purchased by the City and exchanged with property owned by Pete Rohlf in order to improve the drainage in the area. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF THE FIVE TAX FORFEITED PARCELS OF PROPERTY AS IDENTIFIED IN THE 1/18/90 MEMO FROM THE FINANCE DIRECTOR. COUNCILMEMBER DOBEL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. The City Administrator indicated that the City Attorney would be working with the Finance Director in order to draw up the appropriate legal papers for this transaction. 6.2 License Renewals e The Mayor reviewed with the City Council the City Clerk memo dated 1/16/90 regarding cigarette license renewals and mechanical amusement device license renewals which were not taken care of during the 1/8/90 Ci ty Council meeting. This memo indicated that the license and fees have been received and that with the approval of the license to Dick's Main Tap, Elk River Bowl, and the theater that all of the license renewals will have taken place. COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT MOVED TO APPROVE THE CIGARETTE LICENSE AND MECHANICAL AMUSEMENT DEVICE LICENSE RENEWALS FOR DICK'S MAIN TAP, ELK RIVER BOWL, AND THE ELK RIVER FIVE THEATER AS OUTLINED IN THE 1/16/90 MEMO FROM THE CITY CLERK. COUNCILMEMBER KROPUENSKE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Councilmember Holmgren inquired as to whether or not the City has a license for city cabs. Staff indicated that no such license currently I exists but one could be developed if the need arises. 6.3 City Council Salaries e City Councilmembers reviewed the 1/17/90 memo from the City Administrator regarding City Council salaries in other communities and past history of Elk River City Council salaries. Councilmember Holmgren indicated that his main concern was the time commitment and reimbursement to the Mayor, as the Mayor spends a significantly larger amount of time on City business than Councilmembers. The Mayor indicated that he was concerned that financial reimbursement for services as a Mayor or Councilmember does not become a reason for citizens running for the City Council. On the other hand, he would not City Council Minutes January 22, 1990 Page 7 e like to see the time commitment being dramatically out of proportion to financial reimbursement for services to be a reason why somebody qualified for public office would not run for the City Council. The Mayor further noted that the attachment material indicated that other City Councilmembers in neighboring communities get some insurance benefits or some payment by way of per diem for attendance at meetings. COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT MOVED TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 90-1, AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE MAYOR'S SALARY AT $6,000 PER YEAR AND THE CITY COUNCILMEMBERS SALARY AT $4,800 PER YEAR EFFECTIVE 1/1/91. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 6.4 HRA A.Qpoi!!.tm~IJ.t Mayor 'l'ralle noted that the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) currently has a vacancy. The City has reappointed Larry Toth to a five year term on the HRA, but Estelle Gunkel indicated to the City Council that she did not desire to be reappointed. Councilmember Schuldt volunteered for this Commission. It was noted that in order to attempt to get the five member HRA on an appointment cycle where one term expires each year that this appointment would be for only four years and the term would expire on 12/31/93. - COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO APPOINT GENE SCHULDT AS A MEMBER OF THE HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AND THAT THIS TERM OF OFFICE WOULD EXPIRE ON 12/31/93. COUNCILMEMBER KROPUENSKE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0-1. Councilmember Schuldt abstained. 6.5 Se~tin~ 1/31/90 Council CIP Work Se~sl~Q COUNCILMEMBER DOBEL MOVED TO CALL A 1/31/90 CITY COUNCIL CIP WORK SESSION TO BEGIN AT 6:00 P.M. AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 7. Chec~~ist~x COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO APPROVE THE CHECK REGISTER. COUNCILMEMBER DOBEL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 8. Other Business 8.05 Councilmember Kropu~rr~~ e Councilmember Kropuenske advised the Council that he had a discussion with Community Center Task Force member, Shane Groth, and that Shane had indicated that he is resigning from this Task Force. Shane indicated that he did not anticipate the amount of time the Task Force would demand and that the meeting day of the week that has been established by the Task Force makes his attendance difficult. e e e City Council Minutes January 22, 1990 Page 8 8.1 Councilmember Hol~~ren - Community Center Task Force Update Councilmember Holmgren indicated that at the last Community Center Task Force (CCTF) meeting, Ellie Kretsch was appointed Chair of the group. The last meeting included a discussion over a school survey that will be conducted in the near future and how the survey could assist the Task Force. Councilmember Holmgren indicated that all Task Force members are planning to attend the 2/5/90 Council meeting, where the communi ty survey that concentrated on recreational services will be discussed. Furthermore, the group believes it can accomplish its objectives well before the eleventh month deadline. Regarding Shane Groth's resignation, it was the consensus of the Task Force to see whether a Planning Commission member would be interested in working on the Task Force. 8.2 Ea~les Gamblin~ Licen~e The City Administrator indicated that the Eagles organization had requested renewal of its existing pull tab license at the Eagles Club. The City Council had no problems with this request and took no action. 8.3 Callin~ 1/29/90 EDA COUNCILMEMBER DOBEL MOVED TO CALL AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING FOR 1/29/90 AT 6:45 P.M. AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL CONFERENCE ROOM. COUNCILMEMBER KROPUENSKE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 9. City Administr~tor_QPg~te 9.1 The City Administrator distributed a letter that has been received from Jack Terpstra, a local Attorney representing Larry Morrell. This letter indicated that the $250,000 offer from the City for the Morrell Transfer site was not acceptable. The City Administrator indicated that since receiving this letter, the 1/23/90 meeting with Mr. Morrell has been cancelled. The City Administrator discussed with the City Council the possibility of increasing the offer for this property. It was the consensus of the City Council to not increase the offer at this time, and to wait in pursuing this possible purchase until a recommendation has been received from the Community Center Task Force. The City Council discussed some environmental and nuisance concerns regarding this site. It was indicated that if the City is going to pursue the purchase of this property in the future, and to ensure that no ground water contamination or soil contamination is taking place on the site, it would be appropriate to have the City's consultants evaluate this site. The City's consultants were involved in a similar pollution concern regarding Danny's Tranny's in the northern part of the City. City Council Minutes January 22, 1990 Page 9 e COUNCILMEMBER KROPUENSKE MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY CONSULTANTS TO CONDUCT A THOROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL SITE EVALUATION OF THE LARRY MORRELL PROPERTY IN ORDER TO INVESTIGATE GROUND WATER AND SOIL CONTAMINATION CONCERNS. COUNCILMEMBER DOBEL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 9.2 The City Administrator distributed a thank you note from Rolland Ring-Jarvi regarding the City's efforts in assisting the cross-country ski team. 9.3 The City Administrator distributed a letter from the City Engineering firm regarding a $15,000 matching grant application to the Sherburne County Soil and Water Conservation District for funds to install rip rap along the Mississippi River behind Al Nadeau's property. The project is estimated to cost $30,000. The City would pay $15,000 from its Capital Projects Fund, and hopefully, $15,000 would come from the Conservation District. This grant was submitted in 1989 and was rejected. More success is anticipated with this grant application in 1990 or 1991. e 9.4 The City Administrator discussed with City Council the John MacGibbon sidewalk issue. After discussing this issue, which is well known to the City Council, it was the consensus of the City Council to pursue a -settlement with Mr. MacGibbon outside of to going to Court. The City Council indicated that if the City could obtain a signed statement that indicated that the property where the sidewalk is to be located is public right-of-way, then they would consider a small reimbursement to Mr. MacGibbon for damage caused to his property outside of the right-of-way during construction of the Main Street project in 1988. 10. Adjournment There being no further business, COUNCILMEMBER KROPUENSKE MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. The meeting of the Elk River City Council adjourned at 10:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, P7::!?~~ City Administrator e